I recently became the owner of an old autocross-prepared 1970 Datsun 240Z - mostly ready to hit the track. I don't know anything about Autocross racing (although I did some SCCA road racing a long time ago in Northern CA) and I want to get into it with my oldest son. We plan on coming to see some of the racing this weekend to learn more. I read somewhere that drivers will offer ride-alongs and I wanted to know which day this might be offered (on Saturday practice day or on Sunday race day), if we need to have our own helmets (or maybe can borrown one?), and finally if we need to have our SCCA licenses in order to do this.

Also, would really appreciate getting to know anyone who would be willing to guide us through this (our first race will probably be in May or June).

Saturday would be the day for ride alongs (Sunday is the competition day, so most experienced drivers are focused on competing). I'll be there and would be happy to give you and/or your son a ride for a lap or two (and I run with my 18 y.o. son. He's always happy to take a passenger as well).

You don't need SCCA membership to ride along. You do need to sign the waiver at the gate, and then there's a special passenger waiver book (the gate folks will know all about it and can easily direct you). We have loaner helmets that can be used while you're in a car (they are in the motorhome, leave your license on the clipboard, take a helmet, put them back right away when you are done using them).

I'll be working tech in the morning and otherwise I'm in a red Corvette (the only red one out there typically). Stop by and say hi! I'll be happy to point you in the right direction and get you some rides. You can even get yourself signed up for this Sunday and get that car out....we have a great novice program on Sundays that include novice course walks and instructors to help get you through those first few laps!

And don't drag your feet. Sign up for an event and come on out! It's a blast!